How to: Fix blank or dim radio backlight
#1
04-23-2015, 05:16 PM
How to: Fix blank or dim radio backlight
Tools needed:
7mm socket
T-10
Soldering iron
Solder
Trim remova tool or butter knife
If your 2004-2008 backlights are not working properly, this will fix your issue on your OE radio.
Most will say this is not fixable, however, after doing some research, it's an easy fix. There are radio repare companies out there that are charging $19.99 just for these instructions!
Before. Dimly lit and not readable:
Step 1.
Remove trim around radio. Start at the bottom and pry out.
Keep you'll feel the trim pop out as you keep pulling.
Step 2.
Disconnect airbag warning light. It's located at the top backside of the trim piece. Push in the tab and it comes out easily.
Step 3.
Remove the four 7mm screws on the four corners of the radio.
Step 4.
Not pictured, remove harness and antennae plug from rear of radio.
Step 5.
Remove the four T-10 screws located on the front top and bottom (face) of the radio and pull the face off. It will come off easily.
Step 6.
Flip the face over and locate the spots to solder as shown below. They all say "180" on them and there are 4 that need soldering on both sides.
Add solder to the 8 points.
Now reassemble and enjoy the backlight working normally again.
7mm socket
T-10
Soldering iron
Solder
Trim remova tool or butter knife
If your 2004-2008 backlights are not working properly, this will fix your issue on your OE radio.
Most will say this is not fixable, however, after doing some research, it's an easy fix. There are radio repare companies out there that are charging $19.99 just for these instructions!
Before. Dimly lit and not readable:
Step 1.
Remove trim around radio. Start at the bottom and pry out.
Keep you'll feel the trim pop out as you keep pulling.
Step 2.
Disconnect airbag warning light. It's located at the top backside of the trim piece. Push in the tab and it comes out easily.
Step 3.
Remove the four 7mm screws on the four corners of the radio.
Step 4.
Not pictured, remove harness and antennae plug from rear of radio.
Step 5.
Remove the four T-10 screws located on the front top and bottom (face) of the radio and pull the face off. It will come off easily.
Step 6.
Flip the face over and locate the spots to solder as shown below. They all say "180" on them and there are 4 that need soldering on both sides.
Add solder to the 8 points.
Now reassemble and enjoy the backlight working normally again.
#3
04-24-2015, 09:47 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: New Jersey
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2008 XL,Thanks for the great post, Don't have a problem with my radio yet, but its nice to see how its fixed just in case I need to do it in the future! Does anyone know if there is one place on the site where ALL the fixes are listed w/o reading every post out there. If not it would be great to see one. Like Radio fixes, window fixes, rear end fixes, tail light fixes, etc... Just an idea.
#5
04-24-2015, 10:21 AM
Maybe a mod could add this to that section?
